Discover Indigenous health

Learn how to better care for Indigenous patients

At GPTQ, we have a strong commitment to reducing health inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We know working in Indigenous health can be exciting, rewarding and challenging. We hope you’ll consider this important field of medicine as you undertake your GP studies and training.

Watch

Indigenous health training

Meet Dr Noel Hayman

Inala GP Dr Noel Hayman discusses his career journey, including becoming The University of Queensland’s first Indigenous medical student.

Be the difference

Take two minutes to be inspired by our dancing doctors and patients.

National Sorry Day 2016

National Sorry Day ceremony at Teralba Park, Brisbane QLD. National Sorry Day is an annual event that has been held in Australia on 26 May, since 1998, to remember and commemorate the mistreatment of the country’s Indigenous population.

Frequently asked questions

What are Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS)?

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services are those which have been defined by the Aboriginal Community Control process. This process allows any local Aboriginal community to be involved in its own
affairs, determining rules, processes and guidelines for organisations that interact and serve the Aboriginal community. The National Aboriginal Community Control Health Organisation (NACCHO) defines an
ACCHS as being:

An incorporated Aboriginal organisation

Initiated by a local Aboriginal community

Based in a local Aboriginal community

Governed by an Aboriginal body which is elected by the local Aboriginal community

Delivering a holistic and culturally appropriate health service to the community controlling it.

This classification excludes any organisations controlled by the government and organisations that have a vertical rather than a holistic approach to health. Being involved in Indigenous health is one of the many benefits of training and working as a GP in rural and remote areas. It is also one of the most important as you will be contributing to one of our nation’s biggest health priorities.

What opportunities are available in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health during GP training?

The AGPT is committed to increasing the numbers of Australian registrars experienced in Indigenous health. As such, there are compulsory education activities for registrars training with Australian regional training
organisations to help them when treating Indigenous patients. There are also optional Indigenous health placements that allow you to work directly in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health settings, including in Aboriginal Medical Services.